So, I found this recipe on skinnytaste.com and I loved the thought of putting pumpkin into chili. The only problem was that the recipe was really bland. I made some simple adjustments and it was perfect!!!
Fry up:
2 lbs of ground turkey breast
1/2 tsp oilive oil
Once meat is cooked, take out of frying pan and set aside. Add onions and olive oil back into the pan and fry until transparent.
1 tsp olive oil
1 large onion
Add the following spices and cook for 2 minutes.
4 cloves of garlic
3 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tbsp chili pwd
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp seasoning salt
Put cooked turkey in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the onions and spice mixture. Add the following ingredients and stir:
15 oz can of pure pumpkin
2, 15 oz cans of navy beans rinsed well and drained
5 oz can of green chile
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3. Garnish with green onions, sour cream and tortilla chips...yumm!!
Even my 10 months old loved it. He had quite the little toots but hey, beans will do that! :)
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Action Packed Green Smoothie
I ran into a friend from high school the other day and she said that she has been drinking green smoothies every day and loving it. She loves it so much that she got a blendtec blender (which apparently is better than a Vitamix?), wow! I didn't know they could get any better than a Vitamix. I, however, will continue to use my bullet and blend it for 10 minutes. This morning I tried a smoothie with kale and beat leaves and it was good and mainly tasted of banana. I pre-made my smoothie for tomorrow morning and it has the following:
2 cups of spinach
1 cup of chopped kale
1 mango
2 cups of strawberries (leave the tops on)
Juice and flesh of 1 lime
I usually add flaxseed oil for some good healthy fat which adds a nutty flavor and then I may have an egg on the side for some protein. My friend Heidi Kenny who got me thinking about smoothies, said that she is losing weight every week by having one meal a day that is a power packed smoothie. I kind of like calling them action packed smoothies because I am much better in "action" when I attempt kick boxing, or jogging or laying around (nothing like being full of energy and laying around...try it sometime).
I also watched the show "Village On a Diet" tonight and now I feel more inspired than ever. Yikes! I may add the odd smoothie recipe from time to time, but you can really add anything.
I realize I haven't added a recipe in ages. I'm still cooking, but I've been putting all my energy into awesome pureed meals for my boy. I'm certain you guys don't want to eat quinoa, sweet potato and kale pureed. :) I hope to be on here more and I hope you are inspired to eat healthy every day. XO
2 cups of spinach
1 cup of chopped kale
1 mango
2 cups of strawberries (leave the tops on)
Juice and flesh of 1 lime
I usually add flaxseed oil for some good healthy fat which adds a nutty flavor and then I may have an egg on the side for some protein. My friend Heidi Kenny who got me thinking about smoothies, said that she is losing weight every week by having one meal a day that is a power packed smoothie. I kind of like calling them action packed smoothies because I am much better in "action" when I attempt kick boxing, or jogging or laying around (nothing like being full of energy and laying around...try it sometime).
I also watched the show "Village On a Diet" tonight and now I feel more inspired than ever. Yikes! I may add the odd smoothie recipe from time to time, but you can really add anything.
I realize I haven't added a recipe in ages. I'm still cooking, but I've been putting all my energy into awesome pureed meals for my boy. I'm certain you guys don't want to eat quinoa, sweet potato and kale pureed. :) I hope to be on here more and I hope you are inspired to eat healthy every day. XO
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Refreshing Quinoa Salad
My friend Tina asked me to try this salad she had made the other day, and it rocked my world. I added orange pepper to the recipe and changed the amounts a bit, and you can definitely do all the spices to taste. The limes are really important though and so is the sea salt. Tonight this was my dinner and I'm so satisfied! I should clarify that I ate a portion of this, it would serve 4-5 people as a side or probably 2 if it was the whole meal.
2 cups cooked Quinoa
1/2 cucumber chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 orange pepper, chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil
2 limes, fresh squeezed
1 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning (I used the stuff from Epicure)
Fresh ground sea salt & pepper to taste
Meat option: I think a souvlaki chicken skewer would go good with this or grilled shrimp as well!
2 cups cooked Quinoa
1/2 cucumber chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 orange pepper, chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil
2 limes, fresh squeezed
1 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning (I used the stuff from Epicure)
Fresh ground sea salt & pepper to taste
Meat option: I think a souvlaki chicken skewer would go good with this or grilled shrimp as well!
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
MMMM Muffins
So, I knew that my husband would eat muffins for breakfast...but, he usually opts to go without breakfast. I wanted to create a recipe that would be as healthy as it was delicious. If you're making good choices for a healthy lifestyle it only makes sense to me that you still LOVE what you eat. People who try to eat healthy have to get creative! This recipe still has a lot of sugar and I'm thinking about trying agave nectar but I haven't yet.
This is the first recipe I wrote myself and I'm really proud of it. I dream of writing a cookbook, so I decided that it was time to start recording and actually measuring what I put together. I hope you enjoy it.
Pumpkin Magic
In a very large bowl combine all of the following:
4 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 medium zucchini grated
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cup white flour
1/4 cup bran
1/4 cup whole and ground flax (about half and half)
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking pwd.
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg, ground
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
Optional: 1 cup NUTS!! I have added slivered almonds, or chopped pecans. You could also add pumpkin seeds or just put some on top for show. Nuts have so many benefits!
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.
A side note about flax...I like to use ground and whole. For your body to get the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lignans, and phytonutrients out of the flax seed it needs to be ground. Whole flax seeds help sluff unwated garbage out of your intestines and you will pass them whole, but this is okay. I included both in this recipe because they are both so beneficial. I buy the organic cold milled flax seed from Costco.
This is the first recipe I wrote myself and I'm really proud of it. I dream of writing a cookbook, so I decided that it was time to start recording and actually measuring what I put together. I hope you enjoy it.
Pumpkin Magic
In a very large bowl combine all of the following:
4 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 medium zucchini grated
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cup white flour
1/4 cup bran
1/4 cup whole and ground flax (about half and half)
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking pwd.
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg, ground
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
Optional: 1 cup NUTS!! I have added slivered almonds, or chopped pecans. You could also add pumpkin seeds or just put some on top for show. Nuts have so many benefits!
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.
A side note about flax...I like to use ground and whole. For your body to get the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lignans, and phytonutrients out of the flax seed it needs to be ground. Whole flax seeds help sluff unwated garbage out of your intestines and you will pass them whole, but this is okay. I included both in this recipe because they are both so beneficial. I buy the organic cold milled flax seed from Costco.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Grannie Annie's Chicken Curry Soup
This soup is by far my favorite soup (probably of all time). My friend Anna made this soup for me and brought it over right after I had Brooks (she is a real sweetie).
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp oil
4 tbsp butter (I have done it with 2 tbsp and it seemed okay)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp curry pwd
1 tsp cumin
cayenne pepper (couple dashes)
1 large butternut squash roasted, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper
3 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 cup water
salt & pepper
1 cup cream (I used milk and that was okay too)
Saute chicken breasts in oil. (in a large soup pot). Remove chicken. In same pot add butter and fry onion until soft. Add garlic and spices, cook only 30 seconds. Add liquid (use liquid to deglaze bottom of pot)and veggies, boil for 15 minutes till soft. Use a potato masher or blender to puree the soup. Add salt & pepper, cream and cooked chicken, heat until hot. ENJOY (I promise you will).
I doubled this recipe and froze half of it because I love pulling it out for lunches. It has so many wonderful vitamins in it and is so good for you. Thanks again Anna!!
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp oil
4 tbsp butter (I have done it with 2 tbsp and it seemed okay)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp curry pwd
1 tsp cumin
cayenne pepper (couple dashes)
1 large butternut squash roasted, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper
3 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 cup water
salt & pepper
1 cup cream (I used milk and that was okay too)
Saute chicken breasts in oil. (in a large soup pot). Remove chicken. In same pot add butter and fry onion until soft. Add garlic and spices, cook only 30 seconds. Add liquid (use liquid to deglaze bottom of pot)and veggies, boil for 15 minutes till soft. Use a potato masher or blender to puree the soup. Add salt & pepper, cream and cooked chicken, heat until hot. ENJOY (I promise you will).
I doubled this recipe and froze half of it because I love pulling it out for lunches. It has so many wonderful vitamins in it and is so good for you. Thanks again Anna!!
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Chunky Spanish Stew-slow cooker
I don't usually measure when I cook so writing out recipes is hard for me. I am trying to measure now so that I can share it with you. You can prepare this stew the night before and throw it on in the morning.
-About 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into 1 inch cubes (or just cut up a couple steaks)
-Flour (enough to coat all the beef)
-2 tsp olive oil
Coat beef with flour and throw into a stainless steel frying pan and brown all sides of the meat (this will lock in the flavor and keep it juicy). Throw the meat into the bottom of the crock pot. Don't wash the pan.
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
4 garlic cloves pressed
In the same frying pan, add oil, saute onions and garlic until softened. Add the next 4 ingredients and saute for 1 minute:
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp dried crushed chilies
Add some broth (out of the broth amount below) to onion/seasoning mixture and scrape the bottom of the frying pan. Pour it into the crock pot. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot.
3 cups beef broth (I like the presidents choice organic, it's only $2.99 and it doesn't have MSG)
3 medium carrots chopped
2 cups of celery chopped
4 red potatoes chopped into cubes
Stir and cook (every crock pot seems to be different, mine is super hot) for 4 hours on high and or 6 hours on low. Check the veggies to see if they are done. About a half hour before you want to eat rapidly mix 2 tbsp flour and 1/2 cup of water (to thicken) and add to crock pot, stir. This is my new favorite stew, the flavor is so unique.
-About 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into 1 inch cubes (or just cut up a couple steaks)
-Flour (enough to coat all the beef)
-2 tsp olive oil
Coat beef with flour and throw into a stainless steel frying pan and brown all sides of the meat (this will lock in the flavor and keep it juicy). Throw the meat into the bottom of the crock pot. Don't wash the pan.
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
4 garlic cloves pressed
In the same frying pan, add oil, saute onions and garlic until softened. Add the next 4 ingredients and saute for 1 minute:
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp dried crushed chilies
Add some broth (out of the broth amount below) to onion/seasoning mixture and scrape the bottom of the frying pan. Pour it into the crock pot. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot.
3 cups beef broth (I like the presidents choice organic, it's only $2.99 and it doesn't have MSG)
3 medium carrots chopped
2 cups of celery chopped
4 red potatoes chopped into cubes
Stir and cook (every crock pot seems to be different, mine is super hot) for 4 hours on high and or 6 hours on low. Check the veggies to see if they are done. About a half hour before you want to eat rapidly mix 2 tbsp flour and 1/2 cup of water (to thicken) and add to crock pot, stir. This is my new favorite stew, the flavor is so unique.
You are "Always on my mind"....
As Willie Nelson said it best you are "always on my mind". I have spent the last 2 weeks in a brain fog over what to add to my blog next. I have been thinking of all that plagues my lady friends in their kitchens and what I could say to inspire . The topics that have been taking up space in my brain are the MSG debate, how to make nutrition packed suppers in less than 30 minutes (that your kids won't turn up their noses at), and how to inspire my friends to get rid of their microwaves (for you Erin).
I know why I feel the way I do about these topics, but I need to put my thoughts together to explain this to those of you who've asked.
MSG: The sneaky spice that shows up everywhere
You see signs at Chinese restaurants and grocery stores that promote their MSG Free specialties. A friend of mine recently sent me the link to this government website that basically says that MSG is fine, poses no threat to your well being and is a substance that is naturally occurring in our bodies. Now, I could see if this add was on the Campbell's soup website because many of their soups contain this flavor enhancing ingredient...but the Canadian government? What could the government possibly stand to gain?? Now, I'm on the hunt for more information...because I love Campbell's soup and Chinese food for that matter. The main complaint people have about MSG is migraine headaches and explosive diarrhea (usually following a 4 item combo at their local mall). After doing some online research the jury is still out on MSG. For my family I will still try to avoid MSG because they said if a 2nd grader can't pronounce it or your great grandmother wouldn't recognize it, you probably shouldn't eat it and I'm not fond of anything that gives me a headache or the trots. The moral of the story is: read the labels and follow your gut. You are always better to find something from the earth to flavor your food anyway, like garlic!!
How to cut down cooking times...(for Lori)
In a world of convenience foods it is so much easier to go through a drive through (although I feel the drive through has its place), it is important for the health of your family to take the time to eat well. My dad Kenny always says "Not having a plan is like planning to fail". There are many things you can do to make your life easier in the kitchen. Planning ahead (prepping the evening before or the morning of) helps you to avoid taking the easy way out come supper time. You're less likely to eat out if you have thawed chicken in your fridge that needs to be eaten.
-Some people find it handy to bring home large packages of meat from Costco, and freeze the meat in family size portions with marinade on them so that you can thaw and throw in the oven or better yet, on the grill!!
- If tomorrow nights dinner is fajitas, take 10 minutes the night before to chop your peppers, onions and chicken. When you come home for supper you can literally throw it all together, grate cheese, rip lettuce and call it dinner!
- I always keep some sort of pre-made burgers on hand for a pinch when I don't want to make dinner or we are in a hurry. You could freeze homemade beef burgers ahead of time (I try to avoid store bought beef burgers because they usually have 30grams of fat per burger), or chicken burgers, or fish burgers. I love veggie burgers too. Pick up some big portabello mushrooms, grill them and treat them like buns for your burger. You do have to cut the burger because the "buns" are usually too hot.
-Always keep fresh washed spinach on hand and mixed greens. If they are sitting in your fridge washed you are way more likely make a salad or add spinach to your smoothie.
-EGGS!!! They are a power food and they've been given a bad rap for some time but one egg has 70 calories and 5 grams of fat. Everything in moderation anyway right?! You can do so many things with eggs. Add peppers, onions, mushrooms, pressed garlic, cheese, seasoning salt and pepper and you have an omelette. Mix cream or milk with eggs, chop spinach and broccoli and mushrooms ...add lots of cheese and you have a wonderful quiche. Truth be told I always have a pre-made crust from Tenderflake in my freezer for times when I want to throw on a quick quiche. Eggs are also cheap!!
- Fish cooks super fast! Tonight I coated cod and I fried it in 2 tsp of olive oil . Recipe below:
Coat fish with egg whites, coat with flour mixture, coat with egg whites again, and coat with flour one more time. Fry until it is done, about 4 minutes per side.
Flour coating:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp seasoning salt
2 dashes of paprika
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp roasted garlic spice
1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
We had our fish with Quinoa (an amazing whole grain) that is cooked in 15 minutes, and steamed broccoli (which takes 7 minutes). I have to grate cheese for the broccoli because this helps Jonathan enjoy it.
So I guess the moral of the story is that you still need to prep to eat healthy, there is really no way around it. The more you prep ahead of time, the easier it will be when you get home from work. Let's be serious, we all need to give in to fast food once in a while...because I'm (still) lovin' it!!
To nuke or not to nuke....that is the question!
If I'm honest (and I'm usually too honest) we got rid of our microwave 3 years ago when it imploded, and my husband still misses it. I refuse to replace it, because I know if I do it will be all too easy to go back to using, even if I know it isn't good for me. I don't really believe in using the easy button in life. I'd rather get the flu, then get a flu shot (great way to lose 5 lbs), cook my food slowly and be annoyed at how long it takes, and make a cake from scratch because it only takes 5 minutes to put the ingredients together anyway. I am, in no way coming down on anyone who lives life different than I do. When my friend Heidi told me to get rid of my microwave 5 years ago I thought the notion was far too radical. After the implosion, I decided to say goodbye. The reasons that I gave up the microwave were two fold.
1) I heard that microwaving breast milk actually changes the composition of the milk itself. This evidence made me wonder what it was doing to all the other foods we nuke. A really good article can be found at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/18/microwave-hazards.aspx
It talks about all the other ways that food is changed/impacted by being microwaved. I find it really weird that when a woman is pregnant she is told to avoid processed meat (because of nitrate levels), fish (with high levels or mercury), etc.. We care about our fetus/children enough to make changes, but we don't seem to care enough for ourselves?! I also spend good money on food (organic whenever possible)and it seems silly to "nuke" it, and kill it.
2) Obviously microwaves let off low levels of radiation, which are not all that harmful (unless your microwave is old) but I can imagine I'm taking in a lot of radiation from my cell phone (which I am not wiling to give up). I just figure with all the chemicals in the atmosphere and in our food, if I can avoid radiation from my microwave it can only benefit me.
For Erin...this is how I do life without a microwave.
-take meat out of the freezer a couple days ahead of time and let it thaw in the fridge, or if I forget I set the meat in a bowl of cold water to thaw it (this is actually really fast...like maybe 20 minutes)
-melt butter on the stove
-reheat leftovers in the oven at 400 or 425(most things taste better this way and are less soggy)
-I leave cream cheese out for half hour before I use it
-I keep a container of butter in the cupboard so that I always have some soft spreadable stuff on hand
-If I am reheating pasta and sauce I just throw it all together in a saucepan, I just add a bit of water to the pan
-For my little Brooks I bought a bottle warmer that also heats food (with hot water) and I will use this for Brooks' baby food
I hope this gives you some ideas. I'm not going to lie, it is annoying at first but you get over it pretty fast . Once again I live this way because deep down I hope that it will help me to thrive and enjoy life longer.
*For those of you who are concerned; my son was not neglected during the writing of this blog (I typed it over a 3 day period).
I know why I feel the way I do about these topics, but I need to put my thoughts together to explain this to those of you who've asked.
MSG: The sneaky spice that shows up everywhere
You see signs at Chinese restaurants and grocery stores that promote their MSG Free specialties. A friend of mine recently sent me the link to this government website that basically says that MSG is fine, poses no threat to your well being and is a substance that is naturally occurring in our bodies. Now, I could see if this add was on the Campbell's soup website because many of their soups contain this flavor enhancing ingredient...but the Canadian government? What could the government possibly stand to gain?? Now, I'm on the hunt for more information...because I love Campbell's soup and Chinese food for that matter. The main complaint people have about MSG is migraine headaches and explosive diarrhea (usually following a 4 item combo at their local mall). After doing some online research the jury is still out on MSG. For my family I will still try to avoid MSG because they said if a 2nd grader can't pronounce it or your great grandmother wouldn't recognize it, you probably shouldn't eat it and I'm not fond of anything that gives me a headache or the trots. The moral of the story is: read the labels and follow your gut. You are always better to find something from the earth to flavor your food anyway, like garlic!!
How to cut down cooking times...(for Lori)
In a world of convenience foods it is so much easier to go through a drive through (although I feel the drive through has its place), it is important for the health of your family to take the time to eat well. My dad Kenny always says "Not having a plan is like planning to fail". There are many things you can do to make your life easier in the kitchen. Planning ahead (prepping the evening before or the morning of) helps you to avoid taking the easy way out come supper time. You're less likely to eat out if you have thawed chicken in your fridge that needs to be eaten.
-Some people find it handy to bring home large packages of meat from Costco, and freeze the meat in family size portions with marinade on them so that you can thaw and throw in the oven or better yet, on the grill!!
- If tomorrow nights dinner is fajitas, take 10 minutes the night before to chop your peppers, onions and chicken. When you come home for supper you can literally throw it all together, grate cheese, rip lettuce and call it dinner!
- I always keep some sort of pre-made burgers on hand for a pinch when I don't want to make dinner or we are in a hurry. You could freeze homemade beef burgers ahead of time (I try to avoid store bought beef burgers because they usually have 30grams of fat per burger), or chicken burgers, or fish burgers. I love veggie burgers too. Pick up some big portabello mushrooms, grill them and treat them like buns for your burger. You do have to cut the burger because the "buns" are usually too hot.
-Always keep fresh washed spinach on hand and mixed greens. If they are sitting in your fridge washed you are way more likely make a salad or add spinach to your smoothie.
-EGGS!!! They are a power food and they've been given a bad rap for some time but one egg has 70 calories and 5 grams of fat. Everything in moderation anyway right?! You can do so many things with eggs. Add peppers, onions, mushrooms, pressed garlic, cheese, seasoning salt and pepper and you have an omelette. Mix cream or milk with eggs, chop spinach and broccoli and mushrooms ...add lots of cheese and you have a wonderful quiche. Truth be told I always have a pre-made crust from Tenderflake in my freezer for times when I want to throw on a quick quiche. Eggs are also cheap!!
- Fish cooks super fast! Tonight I coated cod and I fried it in 2 tsp of olive oil . Recipe below:
Coat fish with egg whites, coat with flour mixture, coat with egg whites again, and coat with flour one more time. Fry until it is done, about 4 minutes per side.
Flour coating:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp seasoning salt
2 dashes of paprika
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp roasted garlic spice
1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
We had our fish with Quinoa (an amazing whole grain) that is cooked in 15 minutes, and steamed broccoli (which takes 7 minutes). I have to grate cheese for the broccoli because this helps Jonathan enjoy it.
So I guess the moral of the story is that you still need to prep to eat healthy, there is really no way around it. The more you prep ahead of time, the easier it will be when you get home from work. Let's be serious, we all need to give in to fast food once in a while...because I'm (still) lovin' it!!
To nuke or not to nuke....that is the question!
If I'm honest (and I'm usually too honest) we got rid of our microwave 3 years ago when it imploded, and my husband still misses it. I refuse to replace it, because I know if I do it will be all too easy to go back to using, even if I know it isn't good for me. I don't really believe in using the easy button in life. I'd rather get the flu, then get a flu shot (great way to lose 5 lbs), cook my food slowly and be annoyed at how long it takes, and make a cake from scratch because it only takes 5 minutes to put the ingredients together anyway. I am, in no way coming down on anyone who lives life different than I do. When my friend Heidi told me to get rid of my microwave 5 years ago I thought the notion was far too radical. After the implosion, I decided to say goodbye. The reasons that I gave up the microwave were two fold.
1) I heard that microwaving breast milk actually changes the composition of the milk itself. This evidence made me wonder what it was doing to all the other foods we nuke. A really good article can be found at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/18/microwave-hazards.aspx
It talks about all the other ways that food is changed/impacted by being microwaved. I find it really weird that when a woman is pregnant she is told to avoid processed meat (because of nitrate levels), fish (with high levels or mercury), etc.. We care about our fetus/children enough to make changes, but we don't seem to care enough for ourselves?! I also spend good money on food (organic whenever possible)and it seems silly to "nuke" it, and kill it.
2) Obviously microwaves let off low levels of radiation, which are not all that harmful (unless your microwave is old) but I can imagine I'm taking in a lot of radiation from my cell phone (which I am not wiling to give up). I just figure with all the chemicals in the atmosphere and in our food, if I can avoid radiation from my microwave it can only benefit me.
For Erin...this is how I do life without a microwave.
-take meat out of the freezer a couple days ahead of time and let it thaw in the fridge, or if I forget I set the meat in a bowl of cold water to thaw it (this is actually really fast...like maybe 20 minutes)
-melt butter on the stove
-reheat leftovers in the oven at 400 or 425(most things taste better this way and are less soggy)
-I leave cream cheese out for half hour before I use it
-I keep a container of butter in the cupboard so that I always have some soft spreadable stuff on hand
-If I am reheating pasta and sauce I just throw it all together in a saucepan, I just add a bit of water to the pan
-For my little Brooks I bought a bottle warmer that also heats food (with hot water) and I will use this for Brooks' baby food
I hope this gives you some ideas. I'm not going to lie, it is annoying at first but you get over it pretty fast . Once again I live this way because deep down I hope that it will help me to thrive and enjoy life longer.
*For those of you who are concerned; my son was not neglected during the writing of this blog (I typed it over a 3 day period).
Sunday, 6 March 2011
5-10 Servings?? DINNER
Best EVER Marinara sauce
Saute 1 tsp olive or grapeseed oil & add the following:
3 cloves of garlic pressed (when you press you don't lose the juice...do not use garlic salt)
1 1/2 onions finely chopped
1 green, 1 red, 1 orange pepper finely chopped
12 button mushrooms, sliced
Add to the pan:
1 can diced roma tomatoes (no salt added)
1 can of tomato soup (this helps coat the noodles and makes them nice and slippery)
2 tbsp of each: dried parsley
dried oregano
dried basil
1 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt (more if needed)
4 splashes of hot sauce (I prefer mexican habanero)
1/2 cup of red wine (I freeze 1/2 cup portions and keep them in the freezer when we have a bottle that we don't finish)
Let this simmer for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and let simmer for 10 more minutes.
While the sauce simmers, use this time to clean up your kitchen and cook your whole wheat pasta! I never like to clean up after I've eaten, so I do it before.
You can also add lean ground beef or meat balls to this sauce. Sometimes I brown beef and drain the fat and then add a pkg of ground turkey (if you do this add another can of diiced tomatoes and double the seasonings)and it will actually pick up the flavor of the beef, this makes a huge batch and then I freeze it.This is a go to recipe that I when my husband or I start to feel like we are getting sick, and then I use 4 pressed cloves of garlic. :)
Saute 1 tsp olive or grapeseed oil & add the following:
3 cloves of garlic pressed (when you press you don't lose the juice...do not use garlic salt)
1 1/2 onions finely chopped
1 green, 1 red, 1 orange pepper finely chopped
12 button mushrooms, sliced
Add to the pan:
1 can diced roma tomatoes (no salt added)
1 can of tomato soup (this helps coat the noodles and makes them nice and slippery)
2 tbsp of each: dried parsley
dried oregano
dried basil
1 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt (more if needed)
4 splashes of hot sauce (I prefer mexican habanero)
1/2 cup of red wine (I freeze 1/2 cup portions and keep them in the freezer when we have a bottle that we don't finish)
Let this simmer for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and let simmer for 10 more minutes.
While the sauce simmers, use this time to clean up your kitchen and cook your whole wheat pasta! I never like to clean up after I've eaten, so I do it before.
You can also add lean ground beef or meat balls to this sauce. Sometimes I brown beef and drain the fat and then add a pkg of ground turkey (if you do this add another can of diiced tomatoes and double the seasonings)and it will actually pick up the flavor of the beef, this makes a huge batch and then I freeze it.This is a go to recipe that I when my husband or I start to feel like we are getting sick, and then I use 4 pressed cloves of garlic. :)
5-10 Servings?? SMOOTHIE
Do you ever find it hard to get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day??? I did too until I came up with a smoothie recipe that is super simple and gives me a great start towards my 5-10.
I fully believe that the key to living well and feeling even better starts with what you put in your body.
Spinach and blueberries are super foods that really pack a punch...here is how I put it together!
1/4 cup of plain yogurt (use Greek yogurt if you want double the protein)
1/4 cup cold water
1/3 or 3/4 cup of blueberries (I eyeball almost everything in the kitchen)
2 big handfuls of spinach (I promise you can't taste it!)
Last but not least, to add sweetness you can either add 1/2 a banana or 1/4 cup of apple juice. I don't believe in adding sugar to fruit, always try to find natural sugars.
TIP: Plain yogurt is low in naturally occurring sugars and is much better for you. You can use yogurt to make tzatziki, or put on your baked potato in place of sour cream. If you are tempted to lean towards that French vanilla yogurt instead of plain for your smoothie, try adding vanilla extract to your smoothie instead.
I fully believe that the key to living well and feeling even better starts with what you put in your body.
Spinach and blueberries are super foods that really pack a punch...here is how I put it together!
1/4 cup of plain yogurt (use Greek yogurt if you want double the protein)
1/4 cup cold water
1/3 or 3/4 cup of blueberries (I eyeball almost everything in the kitchen)
2 big handfuls of spinach (I promise you can't taste it!)
Last but not least, to add sweetness you can either add 1/2 a banana or 1/4 cup of apple juice. I don't believe in adding sugar to fruit, always try to find natural sugars.
TIP: Plain yogurt is low in naturally occurring sugars and is much better for you. You can use yogurt to make tzatziki, or put on your baked potato in place of sour cream. If you are tempted to lean towards that French vanilla yogurt instead of plain for your smoothie, try adding vanilla extract to your smoothie instead.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Veggie Mexican Pita- the perfect lunch
Ok, so I was craving avocado and this is what developed! I ate this for lunch yesterday and again today because it is so ridiculously satisfying!
Take a whole wheat pita and cut it up into 4 pieces. Place it back together cover it with cheese and broil it until the top is nicely browned.
While the pita is broiling:
- mash up 1/2 an avocado with 2 splashes of lime juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, 1 tbsp of finely minced red onion, 1 pressed clove of garlic
-remove pita from the oven, cover it with avocado mixture
-dice tomatoes and sprinkle over pita
-drizzle salsa over to finish it off...ENJOY!!
Of course for those who aren't taking off the baby weight...always add sour cream!! MMM
Also, tonight I made an amazing stew with 4 totally random and magical spices. I need to make it one more time and write down the exact amounts so I can share it with all of you. Stay tuned....
Take a whole wheat pita and cut it up into 4 pieces. Place it back together cover it with cheese and broil it until the top is nicely browned.
While the pita is broiling:
- mash up 1/2 an avocado with 2 splashes of lime juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, 1 tbsp of finely minced red onion, 1 pressed clove of garlic
-remove pita from the oven, cover it with avocado mixture
-dice tomatoes and sprinkle over pita
-drizzle salsa over to finish it off...ENJOY!!
Of course for those who aren't taking off the baby weight...always add sour cream!! MMM
Also, tonight I made an amazing stew with 4 totally random and magical spices. I need to make it one more time and write down the exact amounts so I can share it with all of you. Stay tuned....
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Oats of Glory
You could start your day with frosted flakes because lets be serious...they rock. Or, you could start with something that will keep you satisfied, lower cholesterol and please your intestines....OATMEAL!
You could waste your money on instant oatmeal or you could take 5 minutes and use the calories you saved for that grande Mochacchino you've been dreaming about.
This serves 1, you!!
Grab a bowl and throw in the following:
3/4 cup organic oatmeal (use organic wherever possible, it is always the best option)
1/4 cup bran
1 tbsp. ground flax seed (you can get the good organic stuff at costco for cheap)
pinch of salt
3 dashes of cinnamon
handful of raisins (great for those looking to increase their iron intake)
Cover with 3/4 cup of boiling water. Top with 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1/4 cup of milk...ENJOY!!
I get my bowl of dry ingredients ready at night and in the morning I boil the water and ta da...instant oatmeal, with less calories and more satisfying ingredients!
You could waste your money on instant oatmeal or you could take 5 minutes and use the calories you saved for that grande Mochacchino you've been dreaming about.
This serves 1, you!!
Grab a bowl and throw in the following:
3/4 cup organic oatmeal (use organic wherever possible, it is always the best option)
1/4 cup bran
1 tbsp. ground flax seed (you can get the good organic stuff at costco for cheap)
pinch of salt
3 dashes of cinnamon
handful of raisins (great for those looking to increase their iron intake)
Cover with 3/4 cup of boiling water. Top with 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1/4 cup of milk...ENJOY!!
I get my bowl of dry ingredients ready at night and in the morning I boil the water and ta da...instant oatmeal, with less calories and more satisfying ingredients!
Monday, 28 February 2011
Simple Apples
Tonight I wanted something sweet after dinner, but I didn't want to add an inch to my thighs. I gave birth to my beautiful boy Brooks on November 26 and I'm on a mission to get back to my pre-baby weight. I refuse to eat foods labeled low fat or fat free because they are almost always full of sugar or chemicals (not a fan of any fake sugars)...so I have to work extra hard right now to make food tasty.
Tonight I made what I am calling Simple Apples:
Preheat oven to 325
Combine:
Chop up 1 oz (about 1/2 cup) of pecans
2 Tbsp of Brown Sugar (the darker the better because it is less processed)
1/2 cup oatmeal (try to avoid quick oats)
pinch of salt
5 dashes of cinnamon (a more powerful antioxidant than blueberries)
Chop:
2 granny smith apples sliced and cored
Grease an oven safe dish put half of the apples in and then a layer of the dry mixture...more apples and then cover with the remainder of the dry mixture. If you're not watching what you eat, add some butter...butter makes everything taste better (never margarine...which is basically plastic).
Bake for 40 minutes and top with frozen yogurt.
Island Farms makes the best frozen vanilla yogurt, my husband can't tell the difference so you know it is good.
Tonight I made what I am calling Simple Apples:
Preheat oven to 325
Combine:
Chop up 1 oz (about 1/2 cup) of pecans
2 Tbsp of Brown Sugar (the darker the better because it is less processed)
1/2 cup oatmeal (try to avoid quick oats)
pinch of salt
5 dashes of cinnamon (a more powerful antioxidant than blueberries)Chop:
2 granny smith apples sliced and cored
Grease an oven safe dish put half of the apples in and then a layer of the dry mixture...more apples and then cover with the remainder of the dry mixture. If you're not watching what you eat, add some butter...butter makes everything taste better (never margarine...which is basically plastic).
Bake for 40 minutes and top with frozen yogurt.
Island Farms makes the best frozen vanilla yogurt, my husband can't tell the difference so you know it is good.
What changed....
I'm so excited to post my first blog entry. I have wanted to have a blog for a long time so that I would be able to share the recipes I have created along with the great ones I have found.
I believe in eating whole foods mainly from the earth and my goal is make these lifesaving foods taste as amazing as possible. A few years ago I headed towards the organic section of the grocery store (thanks to my friend Heidi) in an effort to clear the garbage out of my insides. This change opened my eyes to all the other things that needed to go....my microwave and any processed food. I started altering recipes to include healthy oils, and whole grains and even the odd root vegetable.
Now that the serious talk is out of the way I look forward to sharing great wine (preferably merlot) and food with all of my future followers.
I believe in eating whole foods mainly from the earth and my goal is make these lifesaving foods taste as amazing as possible. A few years ago I headed towards the organic section of the grocery store (thanks to my friend Heidi) in an effort to clear the garbage out of my insides. This change opened my eyes to all the other things that needed to go....my microwave and any processed food. I started altering recipes to include healthy oils, and whole grains and even the odd root vegetable.
Now that the serious talk is out of the way I look forward to sharing great wine (preferably merlot) and food with all of my future followers.
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